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Esports - Valorant Gaming Club

Ongoing - Teaching kids important life skills using video games and collaborative team work

Imagination Art Studio by David Stearns

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(1,021)

Popular

What's included

1 live meeting

1 in-class hours per week

Homework

No specific homework will be assigned but gamers can take on board the feedback and practice during the week

Class Experience

Valorant is one of the most popular e-sports that has attracted the attention of many kids and teens around the world. It is played for fun by those just wanting to have a laugh with friends. It is played at the college level competitively in national leagues. Valorant is also represented at the professional scene internationally at World Championships. There is a big community of Valorant gamers. The goal of this class is to provide a safe, moderated environment for young Valorant players to get together and enjoy the game and build friendships. We work on life skills within the game that extend to real life as well as in game mechanics to also improve your learner's playing ability

If your learner is outside the age range, feel free to PM me to discuss whether this class is appropriate.

In joining the class, you should have a good understanding of the basic mechanics of the game but do not necessarily need a lot of experience.

We will rotate formats from week to week, taking on board feedback from the gamers and what they would like to work on

Week 1 (9/2) - Introductions & Skirmishes
Week 2 (9/9) - Team Death Match (warm up) & Spike Rush to work on game mechanics + 1 game
Week 3 (9/16) - Team Death Match (warm up) & Swift Play to work on agent roles + 1 game
Week 4 (9/23) - Death Match (warm up - aim training) & Choice of Format  + 1 game

For future weeks, we will put it up to a group vote on what formats we would like for the class and skills to focus on.

Learning Goals

The goal of this class is to have fun in a safe, moderated virtual class with other young Valorant players. It is always more fun playing Valorant with friends and this class is designed to create an open, social and safe space for young players to connect to enjoy the game together.

The class focuses on communication skills, team building exercises, gaining confidence, making quick decisions, handling frustrations, learning compromises and honing leadership skills -  all important lessons that translate to real life. 

In the class, we also work on improving Valorant specific skills (agent selection/roles, map awareness, game mechanics etc) as well as developing other gaming skills that will translate to other games (such as aim training).

Other Details

Parental Guidance

Parents should be aware that Valorant is a first person shooter gamer where your learner plays an agent with special powers. It is rated "T for Teen" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), recommended for ages 13 and above, due to mild violence and animated blood (some of which can be toned down in "settings" for younger children). It is a tactical combat game where the goal is to eliminate the other team and also depicts firearms. Parents should be familiar with what the game is about and decide whether it is appropriate for your learner. Outside of the classroom, online interactions with the wider player base may expose your children to inappropriate language. Parents should monitor their child's play and have open discussions with them about online safety and responsible gaming practices. This class will be moderated by me, playing and coaching the kids to ensure it is a safe, fun and engaging environment for all gamers. No bullying, inappropriate language or intentional disruption to another gamer's experience will be tolerated.

Supply List

All games should have Valorant installed ahead of the class and ensure that it is up to date and pre loaded ahead of time.

Language of Instruction

English

Imagination Art Studio by David Stearns

Joined July, 2020

4.9

1021reviews

Popular

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I am passionate about sharing my love for fantasy art and empowering students with the foundational tools they need to make their imaginations come alive on paper. I teach art to kids from ages 3 to 18+ years old.

For the younger kids, Harry Potter, Wings of Fire, Warrior Cats, Squishmallows, Pokemon... these are all popular names in any household with kids. As a father of three school-aged kids, I see firsthand that art has a valuable role in any child’s education. Art inspires creativity,  builds concentration/focus and helps particularly younger students work on fine motor skills. There is a lot of pride and sense of accomplishment when a child's “masterpiece" is created, and it's always fun to show it off to friends and family. 

For the older students, Anime (Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, One Piece) is a hot topic. Digital Art and Animation is another fast growing art medium and an important skill set for aspiring arts looking to get into the entertainment industry, specifically, video games and animated movies. 2D art skills always remains a staple and I also help older students looking to build their portfolio for college applications.

Art is important. It can communicate information, shape our everyday lives, make a social statement and be enjoyed for aesthetic beauty. Art matters because it can illustrate the human experience. It is meant to move people either on an intellectual or emotional level. Art is not just an expression of emotion but also a medium for communicating ideas. It can act as therapeutic relief, a conduit for self-expression, or simply a way to appreciate life's beauty. Through art, we can chronicle history, embody societal values, and comment on political or social events. 

The Core Six: Why Art Matters

The realm of art is vast, and its significance has evolved over time. However, there are seven primary reasons why art has remained indispensable to humanity:

 1. Escape from Reality: Art offers a haven from the every day, allowing us to step into different worlds and perspectives.
 
2. Fostering Community: It establishes a shared identity and sense of belonging among diverse groups.

3. Self-Expression and Awareness: Art provides a platform to voice our feelings, thoughts, and identities.

4. Contemplation and Reflection: Through art, we can introspect and ponder life's mysteries.

5. Entertainment and Joy: Beyond its deeper meanings, art can also be sheer fun and enjoyment.

6. Eliciting Strong Reactions: Art has the power to inspire awe, wonder, and introspection.


I have a degree in animation and over twenty years of experience not only teaching art but also as a professional artist, working on everything from Dungeons & Dragons illustrations to UX design for large-scale corporate applications. I love what I do, so it seldom feels like work to me, and it feels great to be able to help lay the foundation for that kind of relationship with art in others.